Cycling with a mature sponge filter

[MattP]

Hi there, First time I've posted on here so hello to everyone. I'm setting up a 60l tank and have matured a sponge filter in my main tank over the last month or so. My question is what is the best way to introduce the filter to the new tank and what steps should I take to maintain the good bacteria which will have built up? Also any idea how long the tank will take to fully cycle if anyone has done this before?

Cheers Matt

[markh]

Hi Matt,
When I introduce a cycled sponge into a new tank I don't do anything special. I place the cycled sponge in the tank and wait a day or two. It doesn't take the good bacteria long to spread itself around the new tank. Especially if you took the substraight from a cycled tank as well. It also depends on the kind of fish you are placing in the tank. If they are more tempermental you may want to wait an extra day or so. If they are more hearty fish you should be fine. I'm no expert either, so this is just my 2 cents on the matter. Good Luck!

Hope this helps.

Mark H.

[Vincent Fu]

I usually just add the new fish and the filter simultaneously. As long as the new tank is lightly stocked I think you should have no problem.

[Dan Woodland]

If you have more than one tank you can "squeeze" the filter (pads or sponges) into the new tank and gain a lot more bacteria. However the key is patience, keeping the bio load lower at the beginning and performing regular water changes. Oh and feeding just what you need is also helpful.

My three cents.

[MattP]

Very helpful thankyou, the 3 danios which I've put in for now are doing fine. I'm attending a local auction a week on sunday and am hoping to bid on some shelldwellers ( brevis or multi's) which should be up for grabs. How hardy are these and should the tank be ready for a pair of these once I remove the danios?

Cheers Matt

[nick a]

"just add the new fish and the filter simultaneously"
This is it!
"how long the tank will take to fully cycle "
The tank should not need to 'cycle'---the mature filter eliminates this process. As Dan said, don't overstock or overfeed at first and you have a complete system operational from the start.